Crime Prevention Banner

Crime Prevention is a commitment to reducing and preventing crime.  The Niagara Regional Police Service is focused on preventing crime before it happens which is possible through enforcement, education and community engagement. 

Are you a business owner or manager?  Protect your commercial property by considering some of the following crime prevention tips.

  • Be sure to conduct regular check on a business that is closed for an extended period of time.  It will help you notice if something has been disturbed.
  • Remove all valuables from storefront displays to help reduce smash-and-grab thefts.
  • Remove all valuables such as cash from the till and leave it open. Place cash tray in plain view on the counter to signal there’s no money in the till;
  • Remove signage from front windows so police can see the inside unobstructed during patrols;
  • Consider installing an alarm monitoring system. If you already have one, ensure the contact list is up-to-date;
  • Clearly post signage on the door/window to indicate that the premises are monitored by an alarm company; that no money is kept on the premises and contact information for police and the business owner in case a member of the public sees damage to the property or suspicious activity;
  • If the premises are closed for an extended period of time, clean all glass surfaces and create a tracking log of when cleaning was completed. This may help investigators with suspect fingerprints in the event of a break-in;
  • Consider installing a high quality surveillance camera system that can be monitored online by owner/management;
  • Consider using a laminate on all windows and glass doors to prevent the glass from being broken from blunt force. Although damage to glass will occur in a break-in attempt, it will greatly discourage or prevent entry;
  • Install latch guards on doors to protect against prying including on secondary doors such as employee and loading entrances;
  • Keep some lighting on inside for surveillance opportunities during the evening;
  • Ensure all doors are properly secured and regularly check all exterior lighting is functioning; and
  • Remove material around the exterior of the property that may be used to gain entry     

*Source: Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP)

Crime Prevention Resources

Crime Prevention is everyone's responsibility and we are committed to providing resources to the residents of Niagara so that they can better protect themselves.   The following programs are made available to assist them:

 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

 Computer and Internet Safety

 Cottage Security

 Lock It or Lose It

 TRACE Pen - Property Identification & Recovery System

 Crime Prevention Booklet